"Fare thee well Sudan," the conservancy posted on its Facebook page. "You have done your work to highlight the plight of rhino species across the world; now the onus is on us to ensure that rhino populations thrive across our planet."

One of the speakers was James Mwenda, who was among Sudan's keepers and spoke about the rhino's life, urging the world not to let his death be in vain. A carrot—the rhino's favorite food—was placed on a ceremonial plaque.

The guest of honor, Cabinet Secretary for Wildlife and Tourism Najib Balala, also spoke at the event.

Poaching Pandemic

Sudan's health began failing early this year. In early March, he developed an infection on his back leg that, combined with age-related complications, proved too much for the rhino to overcome. The conservancy euthanized him after realizing he was barely able to stand.

Sudan, the Last Remaining Male White Rhino, Has Died

While Sudan's death paints a grim picture, the conservancy doesn't want to lose sight of the conservation issues Sudan brought to the forefront.

Sudan's daughter and granddaughter are the only two remaining northern white rhinos. One is infertile and the other is not able to reproduce on her own. The genetic material of several northern white rhinos, including Sudan's, has been stored away.

Scientists hope to one day use in vitro fertilization to breed another northern white rhino. They're also considering making a hybrid with the genetically similar southern white rhino.